Katy Trail Forum

I am planning a Katy Trail tour this fall. I was going to stay in Augusta the last night before heading to St. Charles the last day. I am riding with 8 friends. I cannot find a hotel or B&B can accommodate the group. The cost of lodging in Augusta is high. I found accommodations in Washington, both B&B, and hotel. What are your thoughts about overnighting in Washington? Is Augusta the better option? Is the route from the Dutzow trailhead safe to cycle to Washington?

Riding from Dutzow to Washington depends on your group's comfort with riding on roads. Hwy 47 is fairly busy but there is a wide enough shoulder that you can stay out of the traffic lane and cars don't need to go around you. The bridge over the river to Washington is new and has a dedicated bike lane, although I don't know if the bike lane is open yet. If not the traffic lane has a nice 10' shoulder. I've ridden from Washington to Dutzow and would do it again without worry.

Happy to have you at The Bank Haus in Marthasville, right on the trail and next to Philly's Pizza. It's 4 bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 people. Perfect for the last night or first night on the trail for a group of people. I also have The Katy Haus next door that is 1 bedroom and sleeps up to 5 people. Both houses are handicapped accessible and dog friendly as well.

In Washington, less than a mile from the bridge, we have our River Haus that is 3 bedrooms and sleeps 10 people.

More info and direct booking at missourihaus.com.

Crossing our fingers the bike lane on the WashMo bridge opens soon. The delay has been that the old bridge must be completely removed from the river, and the river level can’t be above 17 feet for the company to get their machinery in there to do the job. Last year the river levels were well over 17 feet the majority of the year. Hoping the clean up will wrap up quickly and the lane opened up.

We had a group of 8 stay at Acorn Ridge B&B several years ago. Very nice and a great breakfast. You can check and see if there are still available

I have ridden Dutzow to Washington on Hwy 47 several times now and each time I do it I like it less. It is OK and passable but it is not ideal and in my opinion borderline dangerous. I would never put teenagers or younger kids on it. Ever. I have written to MoDOT advising of the safety hazards and hope they improve this.

Does anyone know someone that could a couple from Hermann to Augusta on the morning of June 8

Is camping allowed in city park with proper social distancing?

I believe you could call Green Ridge City Hall and ask permission. I had folks tell me they called ahead last year and asked.

Did the city park have any spots for hammocks?

Hi. I've been playing with the daily mileage and how to break up the trip from Sedalia to St. Charles. Had it about figured out until I saw Mokane had no lodging (we don't want to camp). Looking for suggestions from those who did 4 day thru trips as to where you stayed each day and daily mileage. Need restaurants and either B&B or hotel/motel each night.

Also, looking for options when we reach St. Charles. Thought we would drive to Kirkwood (from our home), then take the Amtrak from Kirkwood to Sedalia to start our ride. Once we arrive back in St. Charles as we complete our ride, looks like the options are to cycle back to Kirkwood (looks to be about 20 miles). Does anyone know how the roads are between St. Charles and Kirkwood? Or, maybe a shuttle from St. Charles to Kirkwood Station? Would like suggestions from those who have done either.....thx!

Assuming Cyclers Roost in Treloar is open, you could do Sedalia to Rocheport the first day. Rocheport to Jefferson City the second day. Jefferson City to Treloar the third day and Treloar to St Charles on the fourth day.

Thanks Jim. That's exactly the daily stops I have planned so far. I'll check the Cycler's Roost suggestion as we get closer.

If we park our car in St. Charles, what is the best way, or can someone recommend a shuttle company (and approximate $) to take us and our bikes from St. Charles to the Kirkwood Amtrak station for the ride to Sedalia to begin our ride? Sounds like this would be the better option over parking at the Kirkwood station, and having to bike the extra 20+ miles to go from St. Charles to Amtrak once we complete the ride. I'm not sure how the roads are between the trail and Kirkwood? Any help or suggestions?

Below is a link to my preferred route from the Kirkwood train station to the Katy Trail (Page Ave/hwy 360 Bridge), which I've ridden several times. It's almost entirely suburban residential, and the busier streets have nice shoulders. A few miles are in Creve Coeur Park and its connecting trail.

Note that the section along Olive Rd actually uses a path/sidewalk just to the north of the road. This is the busiest street on the route, and I would avoid the street or shoulder there in favor of the sidewalk.

The route uses Clayton Road for about 1/2 mile, which does not have wide shoulders, and Mason Road for about 1/2 mile to cross hwy 64. These are the two places to exercise more caution, with smaller shoulders, but both are short and frequented by lots of cyclists.

The outer road along hwy 64 is actually one of my favorite parts: nice wide shoulders, light traffic, and a nice downhill where you can pick up some good speed.

This route connects with the Katy Trail at the Page Bridge, which is about 3 miles south of the main St Charles trailhead. The bridge offers some excellent river views along its protected bike/pedestrian portion.

And of course there are some hills, unlike what you'll experience on the Katy Trail - you can see the elevation profile in the link below.

There are a lot of turns in the residential section between Olive Rd and Ladue Rd, so have a good map and/or notes (or the following link!). Thanks to Trevor Scott for originally planning out this route.

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3121644013

However you do it, have fun and good luck!

Happy trails!

Thanks Jim and Ray. FYI....Cycler's Roost now permanently closed as well as the another recommended B&B in the general area I was given (sorry, I don't have the name offhand :()

Looking for recommendations on lodging (not camping) in the Jefferson City area. Would love suggestions...thanks!

Capitol Plaza Hotel is an easy ride from the south side of the bridge, is close to the capitol grounds and amenities, and is bike friendly.

Capitol Plaza Hotel is an easy ride from the south side of the bridge, is close to the capitol grounds and amenities, and is bike friendly.

Trail conditions from at Portland

We stayed at the Baymont. It was nice. We got ice cream at Central Dairy, and dinner at Arris', both close by.

Thank you all for the recommendations!

Anyone around Rocheport /New Franklin willing to shuttle a rider around the detour? I don’t want to ride on the 40 at all. Too dangerous. I tried the number listed on the website for the shuttle driver in Rocheport but it was not in service. Thanks!

Try Tony at the Bike Stop Cafe in St Charles. He might be traveling out that way on the day that you need transportation.

Thank you!

What date/time do you need to be shuttled? I might be able to help.

I was planning for early June but due to some things not being open and traveling unsupported I have moved my trip to the end of August. I’m a planner so I am getting ahead with arrangements. I would love the help if you are available. Thanks!

Post back here when you get within a few weeks of needing a shuttle. I don’t have a business but I’m retired and if I’m free I’ll run up there and shuttle you.

Thank you so much! I sure will! Really appreciate it. I can pay you or give you gift cards.

Some people have suggested this as a detour. I have not ridden it, but it looks good.

https://goo.gl/maps/AHn9boRKb18MkupD7

The end of the trail before the detour I'd in very bad condition right now.
The mud is 4-6 inches deep and the combo of gravel and mud turns anything caught on your bike into concrete. The hills and highway 40 is dangerous and should be avoided. Only a few drivers even tried to move over and give us any space at all
We ended up walking in the grass instead of Riding. MO state parks 40 highway

We are planning to bike from Clinton to Machen starting the 29th. 3 riders, & my sister will be our sag support. We’ll be camping/hotel along the way, & want to do some sightseeing also. Thinking one day in Herman? Where else should we make time for? Are most of the bike shops open? Any random advice is welcome. Not worried about food...we’re accustomed to eating out of grocery stores when needed lol. Thanks for this site!

Maybe the trip planner is a good idea for you to try to locate things that may be of interest to you and your friends. It's kind of difficult to tell someone that you don't know what they should make time for. We've planned many trips and rely on the internet to seek out areas of interest. I wouldn't put much stock in someone that didn't know me to tell me what I needed to see whilst on vacation when I'd given them no clue of my interests.

I will be biking the entire trail in June starting at the northeast end. Is there a place to park my car there for 3-4 days? Is the shuttle service for a return trip currently in operation?

It seems that biking west to east is the preferred route?
Is there a place to leave my car in St. Charles and then take a shuttle to the starting point in Clinton. I plan to start June 9th or so and do stay in BB's and hotels and complete the trail in 3-4 days.

Jody, it depends if you like history, or wine, or just pedaling your bike. Having SAG is great.

Don, we ran across shuttle services that would let you park at their place while you rode. Just make sure to ask ahead of time. As far as who's open, you'll just have to call.

For those that have ridden the trail... is 4 days travel/ride time reasonable for two adults in semi-decent shape? We’re thinking early August and are early risers, so morning rides will work well for us.

I couldn't say for sure about the length of time, but you'll want to factor in the heat that time of year. Summers in Missouri can be brutal, especially out in the sun.

225 miles from Clinton to St Charles is reasonable in 4 days if you can do 60 mile days. I'd suggest going west to east. From Pilot Grove to St Charles is all downhill and though you can never count on the wind a better chance of a tailwind in that direction. I did that same ride in 4 days a couple years ago although I turned off the trail to my home in St Louis county before St Charles and ended up doing a few more miles.

The state of Missouri runs a 5 day KATY trail ride in June (not this year)

"semi-decent" means different things to different people. If you can ride 80 miles per day on road, then 60 miles on Katy trail might be doable. I feel like it's harder than you think.

Our favorite place to stay on the trail. Jan, the owner, was very accommodating and responsive. The cabin was a mix of 18th century Americana and modern conveniences like indoor plumbing. We made use of the firepit and told tall tales well into the night. Thanks, Jan!

My partner and I stayed at the Parsons B&B after a pretty tough 24 mile hike. It was perfect for us, the rooms were comfortable and the host/owner - Norm, was very gracious and helpful. The history of the property is amazing and Norm is a great storyteller. Definitely our go-to place to stay next time around. Thanks, Norm!

My family and I really enjoyed staying here; it was our only shower for the entire trip from Clinton to St. Charles. Very friendly people and atmosphere plus a warm fire and shower made for a very restful night. Would definitely stay again!

The Fairgrounds are closed at the moment, and possibly for the rest of the summer due to COVID-19. There is no where else to camp in Sedalia FYI

Planning a St. Charles to Hermann ride Thursday. What's the condition of the trail in St. Charles with recent rains?

You won't have problems in the section you mentioned. There are issues to the east of St. Charles and way further west than Hermann. Have a great ride!

I know of a rock fall around Portland and a bridge out at Rocheport. Are there other issues? We're biking entire trail.

We are looking for a campsite in Sedalia for the first weekend in June, but the fairgrounds will be closed through early June. Does anyone know of other places close to the trail that allow tent camping in Sedalia at this time? Thanks for any advice!

Not camping - but, I would recommend staying at the Hotel Bothwell in downtown Sedalia. It's a few blocks from the Trail and very bike friendly and last time I checked, was very reasonably priced. And, it's a cool old hotel!

Thanks Sharon! We are so excited to see all our Katy riders again!! We missed everyone! Let us know if we can help in any way!

Laura Erganian, GM

P.S: If it helps we do have an onsite restaurant offering great discounted pricing on food, beer and wine. Room service available upon request!

Safe Travels!

I am considering biking Katy (for a second time) in mid June 2020. But being out of state I don’t know if businesses in Missouri are even open. Does anyone have any advice about what I might find when it comes to hotels, restaurants, etc.?

We are starting from Clinton on June 7th and heading to St Charles. We have reservations at B&B’s or hotels all along the way. Seems like most are all open. As a matter of fact- I would Book quickly. Plan your food stops though. Restaurants might be closed on Sun or Mon etc. Or carry your own (or combination of the two). Should be fine.
Maybe see you on the trail!

I'm planning on leaving on Saturday, KC (home) to St. Louis. From posts on the forum, camping spots are open. However, I expect to have to get takeout from most restaurants and eat somewhere outside. I'll do my best to post some updates afterwards.

Hey Mitch,

That’s actually the day and place I am thinking of starting. Planning to park my car and shuttle that day from St Charles over to Clinton but if you have something else set up and would want to share cost let me know.

Rich

Hey Everyone! Just an update for anyone planning to stay in Sedalia. The Hotel Bothwell is located less than 1 mile from the Katy Trail (about 3 city blocks). Our onsite Ivory Grille Restaurant is still offering takeout and room service for booth food and beer/wine. We have opened our bike washing station in the parking lot and are still offering complimentary bike storage for all riders. Be sure when making your reservation you mention that you are riding the trail for our special KATY discount of 20% off!.

We are wishing everyone a safe ride and look forward to seeing you.

Laura Erganian, GM

P.S: Since a few have asked, we don't mind allowing you to park your vehicle in our parking lot if starting in Sedalia while you ride the trail, just be sure to let our front desk know.

How much of the Rock Island is open for a smooth ride from the KATY? We have short sections of the Rock open in COS and east between Falcon @nd Peyton.

the trails on this site are located in Missouri

Rock island trail is open and in great condition, but no services except in meeting and Windsor and pleasant Hill, nothing between, and no water

Chilhowee Hometown Convenience Store open every day except Sun. with food and water. Leeton has Casey's and Leeton Cafe

Does anyone know how the trail is between Columbia and Jeff City for biking?

Open all the way. Just once rough stretch near Easley. No water in N Jeff, but bathrooms were open at Hartsburg.

Lots of trees down between 203 - 205/ Pilot Grove due to storms today.
Most are daily passable, but we couldn't move them. Take time and be carefull